Then and Now: A Visual Guide to $100 Bills Through American History

Let’s start with a question that pops up more often than you’d think: Who is on the $100 dollar bill? You’ve probably handled one before, but have you ever stopped to ask why that particular face made it onto one of the most powerful banknotes in the world?

The man staring back at you is Benjamin Franklin — not a president, not a general, and not someone who ever held elected office. And yet, there he is, front and center on a bill worth more than any other in regular circulation.

But Franklin didn’t always reign over the $100. Before he took up that honored position, the bill saw several makeovers and faces. So, today we offer you to understand how the current design came to be and see what the $100 bill used to look like.

The First $100 Bills: Civil War Era and Gold Certificates (1860s–1880s)

Long before Franklin made his debut, the $100 bill looked very different — and featured some surprising historical figures. Here’s a look at some early examples:

Year	Type	Portrait	Notes
1862	Legal Tender Note	Abraham Lincoln	One of the earliest paper $100 bills
1870	National Gold Bank Note	Thomas Hart Benton	Backed by gold; used mainly in CA
1882	Gold Certificate	Thomas H. Benton (again)	Promised to pay bearer in gold

These bills weren’t just printed differently, they served a different purpose. Gold certificates, for instance, were once redeemable for actual gold at the U.S. Treasury. This made them both a practical currency and a symbol of economic strength. Some were printed on only one side to save on costs or because of technical limitations.

Collector’s tip: Original Civil War-era $100 notes or gold certificates in good condition can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. Even damaged ones may hold significant value due to their rarity.

Enter Franklin: The Rise of a Non-President on the $100 Bill (1914 Series)

Benjamin Franklin didn’t just appear on the $100 bill by accident. His debut came in 1914, when the U.S. released its first series of Federal Reserve Notes. This was a turning point in American currency — a new national banking system was in place, and with it came new, standardized banknotes.

Instead of another president, the Treasury chose Franklin, a Founding Father who was famous not for war or politics, but for his ideas. He was a diplomat, inventor, scientist, and writer. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence, negotiated with France during the Revolutionary War, and founded America’s first public library and fire department. Not exactly resume material for most money, but perfect for the $100 bill — a symbol of intellect, industry, and trust.

The 1914 $100 note was also notable for its visual design. These early bills were large-size notes, much bigger than today’s currency—measuring about 7.375 x 3.125 inches. Franklin’s portrait appeared in an ornate oval frame, and the overall layout was symmetrical and classic, reflecting the elegance of the time.

On the reverse side? Instead of a building or seal, the back showed two allegorical female figures, representing concepts like Commerce and Industry. These symbolic images were common on early U.S. currency and gave the bill a more artistic, almost European feel.

Here is what made the 1914 $100 bill stand out:

• First appearance of Franklin on any U.S. currency note
• Larger format than modern bills—hard to miss in your wallet
• Detailed engraving with classical motifs and intricate line work
• Part of the first Federal Reserve series, marking a new era of banking
• Printed on both sides, unlike some earlier notes
  

Fun Fact: Original 1914 $100 bills are now highly collectible. Some versions, depending on the Federal Reserve Bank district or signature combinations, can be worth $1,000 to $5,000 or more — even in circulated condition.

A Bill Transformed: From Shrinking Sizes to Cutting-Edge Security

The Small-Size Revolution: 1928 Redesign and Standardization

By 1928, the $100 bill was due for a serious makeover — not because of Franklin, who stayed firmly in place, but because of the changing needs of a growing economy. That year, the U.S. government introduced a brand-new format for all paper currency. The bills were literally downsized, making them easier to handle, store, and standardize across banks and businesses.

The change was more than cosmetic. Before 1928, currency came in a variety of sizes and styles. But in an effort to modernize and streamline the printing process, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing introduced “small-size notes” — the same size we still use today: 6.14 x 2.61 inches.

Franklin remained on the $100 bill, but his surroundings were reworked. The design became tighter and more structured, with clean lines, formal typography, and symmetrical layout. It reflected the no-nonsense attitude of the late 1920s (right before the Great Depression shook the economy).

Collector’s Tip: If you ever come across a $100 bill from the 1928 series, don’t spend it—it is a collectible. Even circulated examples can sell for several hundred dollars, and uncirculated notes are worth far more to collectors.

Modern Makeovers: 1996–2013 Anti-Counterfeit Designs

Fast forward to the late 20th century, and another transformation was underway. In the 1990s, counterfeiting technology was catching up fast — color copiers, scanners, and digital printers made it easier than ever to fake a bill. So, the U.S. Treasury responded with a series of bold design updates aimed at outsmarting counterfeiters.

The 1996 series introduced several high-tech features:

• A security thread embedded in the paper
• A watermark of Franklin’s portrait visible when held up to light
• Color-shifting ink on the numeral “100”
• Microprinting—tiny, hard-to-reproduce text around the portrait and borders

Then came the 2009A series, which was released in 2013 after years of testing. This was the most dramatic redesign of the $100 bill in decades. New features included:

• A vivid blue 3D security ribbon woven into the paper, not printed on top
• A colorful image of an inkwell and liberty bell that shifts appearance as you move the bill
• A larger, off-center portrait of Franklin with more detail and realism

Tip: If you’re unsure whether a banknote or even a coin is genuine or valuable, try using the Coin ID Scanner app. It quickly identifies coins, helps you check historical details and design nuances due to which you are able to spot counterfeits, and even gives approximate value ranges — super helpful for collectors and curious minds alike.

Design Details: What Has Stayed, What Has Changed

While the $100 bill has seen plenty of changes over the years, some elements have stayed consistent since Franklin’s debut in 1914. His face has never left the bill — always serious, always composed — and the words “The United States of America” remain prominent across every version.

However, plenty has changed:

• Typography has shifted from classical serif fonts to sleek modern ones
• Color has evolved from simple black and green to multicolor designs with light blue, peach, and gold
• Layout has been adapted to fit modern printing techniques and security features

One of the most symbolic updates came in 2013: for the first time, Independence Hall was shown from the reverse side—the back of the building instead of the front. It’s a subtle but meaningful shift, reminding us that even the most familiar symbols can be seen from new perspectives.

Fun Fact: The bell inside the inkwell on the modern $100 bill is a color-shifting image — a nod to both history and innovation, combining a national symbol with cutting-edge design.

Hunting for Hundreds: Rare $100 Bills Worth More Than You Think

While most $100 bills are worth exactly that — one hundred dollars — some rare versions are worth hundreds or even thousands more. If you’re lucky enough to come across the right bill in excellent condition, you could be holding a mini riches in your hands.

So, what makes a $100 bill collectible?

It is all about the details. While age plays a role, collectors also look for printing errors, unusual serial numbers, and exceptional preservation. Even modern bills can be surprisingly valuable if they feature something unexpected.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most sought-after types of $100 bills:

Type	What to Look For	Estimated Value
Printing Errors	Misalignments, ink smears, double prints	$500 – $5,000+ depending on severity
Low Serial Numbers	00000001, 00000100, etc.	$1,000 – $10,000+ (especially “00000001”)
Fancy Serial Numbers	12345678, 11111111, 10000001, radar (e.g., 12344321)	$500 – $5,000+ depending on pattern
Star Notes	A small * after the serial number	$150 – $1,500+, more if uncirculated
1928–1934 Series (Well-Preserved)	Crisp, uncirculated notes with original signatures	$800 – $6,000+

Beginner’s Tip: Don’t just check the year — look closely at the serial number, any tiny printing flaws, and the bill’s condition. Even modern notes can surprise you.

Collectors often recommend keeping a magnifier or using phone apps with zoom to catch fine details. And while most people don’t find a jackpot bill at random, it does happen — especially with older bills tucked away in drawers, safety boxes, or passed down from relatives.

From Franklin to the Future

The $100 bill is more than just money — it is a sign of American history, and each design reflects the values and challenges of its time. Benjamin Franklin (though never president) became the perfect symbol for wisdom, innovation, and trust.

As the $100 continues to evolve, so does its story. And if exploring currency sparks your curiosity, don’t stop with paper — coins have just as much history and hidden value waiting to be discovered.